I think my engine is showing its first signs of wear (180,000kms). It gives off a puff of white smoke when I start the engine in the morning (more so if it has been sitting for a couple of days) - so the valve stem seals are probably on the way out.

I'm thinking of fitting a unichip, but there is probably not much point doing this if the engine might need a rebuild in 10,000kms or something.

- Is it neccessary to have the valve stem seals replaced as soon as the white smoke problem starts occurring (is it damaging the engine?) - or can I live with it for a while longer?

- Is there anything that I can get done to have the engine checked out (eg: a compression test - will that tell me much?)

- If I do need to get the valve stem seals done, should I get other things done at the same time? (eg: would it be a good time to get noisy tappets replaced?) Piston rings replaced, etc? (eg: a full engine overhaul?)

- Has anyone had a full engine overhaul done before? What sort of money would I be looking at for a 6G72 3L V6

- Are there any "go-fast" thigns that I can get done at the same time as an engine overhaul... stronger pistons, better lash adjusters/valve springs, port and polish? (while the engine is apart, may as well treat it to a few things?)

Anyway, just after general advice and a bit of discussion. I'm sure there are a few others with cars starting to show signs of wear... just want to know if we should live with it, or go all the way with it! :)

Kim

i dont know very much about this but i know that it isnt that expensive to get your engine bored out to a 3.3L if your gettig your engine reconditioned, that would b pretty sweet

i dont know very much about this but i know that it isnt that expensive to get your engine bored out to a 3.3L if your gettig your engine reconditioned, that would b pretty sweet


the actual boring itself isnt too expensive, its the new pistons etc that will set you back :cry:

a compression test will tell you what your engine feels every time you drive your car
if you have an engine for example that has 4 of the six cylinders all running within 10 percent of compression limits and the other 2 cylinders running within 50 percent of limits then the efficiency with which your engine is running is much lower, less power less torque. low compression can be worn rings worn cyl wall badly seated valves or worse things like a cracked
or warped head blown head gasket. basically what im trying to say is get a comp test done because atleast it gives you a starting point and youll know the internal condition of your engine and that is the most important thing you need to know. if you find your compression is low AND you have the dollars AND you want more grunt then go 60 thou over new rings look at your rod length and your combustion chamber size and shape look at your exhaust and your intake capabilities cam shaft and rockers, it all comes down to how much money you have speed costs dollars how fast do you want to spend? you can go as far as 5- 10 thousand on a real bad ass rebuild or you can take small steps. get any probs fixed first so that u have a good base to work from solid and reliable. if it were me i would be looking at a set of extractors first and then maybe a cam. These are the cheapest ways to gain hp. the first 50-100 hp is cheap the next is expensive and the next well hey thats real expensive.
first fix your probs save some dollars and look at mods head work is always good. head cam and exhaust go together.

the actual boring itself isnt too expensive, its the new pistons etc that will set you back :cry:
well said the machining is the cheap part its the parts that r expensive

White smoke?

My magna does something like this on cold mornings (probably not smoke though) and lasts until the car warms up to norm temp. Is this normal? The liberty (91 model with with 96 wrx 2l) doesn't do this at all, even when cold.

White smoke?

My magna does something like this on cold mornings (probably not smoke though) and lasts until the car warms up to norm temp. Is this normal? The liberty (91 model with with 96 wrx 2l) doesn't do this at all, even when cold.


thats most probably just steam.

if you can smell somethin strange and theres a bit of white smoke, thats oil burning.

mite get a compression test. It's the rear bank (V6) that is hard to get to, though :(

mite get a compression test. It's the rear bank (V6) that is hard to get to, though :(
You dont have to worry about that thats the problem of the mechanic doing the job just get the test done so you know where to start

Mate, 180000 it is still running in.

Get the stem seals done, while at it, crank and cam seals, cam belt, water pump if not done before, remove sump and re seal it and you should be all good.

These are strong engines and they are good for at least 300k before you get worried.

Bring it over here, I will do it cheap, the money you save will pay for the holiday lol

Mal - what would you charge? I will be heading your way in June... could leave it with ya for a few days and learn a thing or two :) Would that be a good time to do the lash adjusters? (they tick) - are there 'aftermarket' ones that are better? (RPW?)

How much would I save? (what would a typical job like that cost?) :)